Ron Wyden’s office: www.wyden.senate.gov/contact/email-ron. Phone: (202) 224-5244
Jeff Merkley’s office: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/connect/contact. Phone:(202) 224-3753
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ODFW expands Chinook Season
Exciting news for anglers: More wild coho fishing days added on Mid Coast
SALEM, Ore. – Anglers will have additional chances to fish for wild coho this November as the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announces extended fishing opportunities in the Siletz, Yaquina, and Alsea river basins.
At the request of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, ODFW staff evaluated the potential for additional fishing days beyond the recreational seasons adopted during the August commission meeting. Thanks to updated analyses and consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service, ODFW determined that more harvest days are possible without exceeding Endangered Species Act (ESA) limits.
Mark your calendars for these bonus fishing days:
Siletz River (including Drift and Schooner creeks): Nov. 15–16
Yaquina River (including Big Elk Creek): Nov. 1–16
Alsea River: Nov. 8–16
These added days offer anglers even more chances to enjoy fishing for wild coho while staying within conservation guidelines.
It’s a win for both outdoor recreation and responsible resource management.
Other regulations and bag limits remain the same as adopted by the Commission in August.
Visit the Northwest zone regulations updates page for more details.
Scouting for something to do in Lincoln City?
Visitors to the Lincoln City Outlet Mall are accustomed to finding a wide variety of items and foods at the many stores. From ice cream to fashion, from perfume to teriyaki chicken there seems to be endless opportunities for shopping. “But,” one may ask, “where can I go to get my picture taken with a life sized Bigfoot, drink a beer and throw an ax at a target on the wall?” Fair question. If a person were to try to indulge in those activities at any other store than Scout Northwest Trading Company (Scout), chances are the police would be called.
Scout is an incredibly unique store situated at the west end of the shopping center (next to Coach). A short walk under a covered walkway will lead to Scout, a store that can best be described as something that has to be seen and experienced to believe. The name is short and doesn’t really prepare the uninitiated for what they are about to encounter upon entering the doors.
Walking in to Scout, one comes face to face with an (easily) 7 foot tall Bigfoot figure. According to Aaron Linfoot, Scout’s new owner, the furry brown Sasquatch is a huge (no pun intended) favorite of everyone that visits. “Nearly everyone stops to take their picture with him.” As of the writing of this article results of a “Name Bigfoot” contest was just finishing and the results were being tabulated. According to Linfoot “Steve” seems to be leading the way. And though he could not give an explanation of how that name surged ahead in voting he smiled and seemed resigned to accept whatever name won.
The Linfoot family became the new owners of Scout in May of 2025 and they bring an easy going attitude to every corner of the store.
According to Linfoot, “Scout Northwest Trading Company and Lincoln City Graphics are part of a family of businesses that are deeply rooted in our coastal community. Under new local ownership, we’re building on strong legacies while creating fresh opportunities that reflect the best of the Oregon Coast lifestyle. Scout is all about Northwest-sourced goods, quality apparel, and outdoor lifestyle products. We emphasize local makers, regional suppliers, and authentic craftsmanship.”
Those who fear change have nothing to worry about. The philosophy seems to be that “if it works and people like it, it will stay.” Long time patrons of Scout will feel right at home as many of the goods that made Scout unique in the retail world have remained through the transition.
The Northwest “vibe” is alive and well. Earth tones fill the shop.
From t-shirts and baseball caps to hoodies and candles there is a quintessential Oregon forest feel. Many shops in Lincoln City seek to capitalize on beach themes but Scout ventures to the woods for inspiration.
The products aren’t mass produced for discount sale in a Walmart bargain bin. Many of the items are made by local vendors and artists. There is a line of clothing bearing the signature artwork of northwest artist Duncan Berry. “We are hoping to have Duncan in store doing demonstrations of his craft sometime in December” said Linfoot. Candles are locally sourced, leather goods as well.
A growing venture within the walls of Scout is Lincoln City Graphics, a graphic design department where anyone can come in with an idea and talk with design department head Denny. “He can take an idea from beginning to end right in this store.” said Linfoot. He adds, “We can help people design graphics and do all the application in house. We can also do window graphics, signs and more. If a retail operation needs graphics or signage we can help them.” Linfoot proudly pointed out that almost every sign or poster inside of Scout was created in store.
Perhaps the most unique part of Scout is their dedicated ax/knife throwing cages. For a fee shoppers can flex their frontier muscles and heave a variety of sharp edged metal instruments at a target on a wood wall.
Scout belongs to the World Ax Throwing League (WATL). With hopes of seeing a league blossom in the area, Linfoot and the staff of Scout invite everyone to stop by and give the throwing a try.
Scout Northwest Trading Company is located at 1500 SE East Devils Lake Rd #116, Lincoln City, OR 97367 and is open daily from 10am-7pm. They can be reached by phone at (541) 418-5305 or on their website https://www.scoutnorthwest.com.
I’m not in charge
Wednesday September 10, 2025 was like any other day in my life; filled with chores and things I wanted to do vs things I had to do. By the end of my “at work” day I was returning home to get started on awaiting chores at home. Feed the dogs, get some semblance of dinner ready, pick up the messes I had left from the morning. It wasn’t until nearly five o’clock pm that I opened a social media site on my phone to see President Trump’s announcement that Charlie Kirk was dead. Honestly, my first thought was that Mr. Kirk had succumb to some genetic condition like a heart attack or that he might have been in an accident. As I read further it was revealed that he had been shot while hosting a Turning Point event in Utah.
Then I did something I regret. I watched the video of the moment he was shot, his body slumping in a position that told me he was gone. While I recognize the beauty and the wonder of the human body, there is something completely grotesque about them when normal functioning ceases. Perhaps it’s grotesque (to me) because without our spirit within our bodies they are nothing but bags of flesh and muscle and fluids.
It is the soul within us that spurs the flesh to function.
My first reaction was intense sorrow. I actually cried for a moment. I despise waste. Whether its the waste of human life, food, money, time or potential, I get angry when I see it. My next thought was to Mr. Kirk’s wife and children. They are now, forever, without their provider, their protector, their example of manhood. And their family is never going to be the same.
It is then that my mind turned toward God and why this happened.
I know Charlie Kirk is a Christian and as such I know that he resides with his Savior-the same Savior that allowed Charlie to die. Yes, God is sovereign and nothing happens, good or bad, without His approval. I don’t understand it. I don’t like it. But I am not God. I did not create Charlie Kirk, God did. In the Old Testament book of Job, we meet a man named Job whom God favors and protects. Yet, one day in a conversation with “the Satan” (Hebrew for Accuser), God “allows” the Satan to take away everything and everyone (except his wife) that Job held dear. In his misery, in response to his wife’s plea to him to “curse God and die.” Job utters; “What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?”
Joseph, as recounted in the book of Genesis 50:20 confronts his brothers who had sold him into slavery, lied to their grieving father about the matter and kept their collective, shameful, secret from everyone. Years later the brothers came to Egypt looking for grain to buy and they and Joseph (though they didn’t recognize him at first) are reunited.
Joseph had risen to a position of power second only to the Pharoah of Egypt. And because of his character and his belief in God’s goodness, Joseph engineered the storing of grain in anticipation of a famine. Joseph’s response to seeing the brothers who condemned him to slavery? He said to his brothers; “But as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, in order to bring about as it is this day to save many people alive. (NKJ)”
Vacillating between anger and sorrow I admit I allow my mind to wade into a vat of bitterness that covered me to a point that I wanted to punish anyone and everyone that would wish harm upon, not just Charlie Kirk but, anyone they disagree with about politics or world views.
And then I think about those people that more than likely do not know Jesus; that have no moral anchor, nothing to cling to when life doesn’t make sense, nothing to look forward to. Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot in his song “Sit down young stranger” says: “The answer is not easy, for souls are not reborn. To wear the crown of peace you must wear the crown of thorns. If Jesus had a reason I’m sure He would not tell. They treated Him so badly, how could He wish them well?”
This is what God calls us to do at times like this: Jesus, whipped, nailed by his hands and feet to a cross of wood pleaded with God to “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” It was a way to communicate to us to accept His sovereignty. Accept that He is the Creator of everything and that we don’t have a say in how the universe is run.
Jesus told us to pray for our enemies and I am having a struggle to do that right now.
For those familiar with the Book of Job, during his suffering Job receives a lot of flak and bad counsel from his friends and is mightily upbraided by God Himself for his response to what has happened to him and his family. So, the question arises; “What should have Job done?” I believe the answer is that he should have stopped talking after he proclaimed that we have to accept good and bad from our Lord and gotten back to the business of living.
A sad, sick individual decided that it would be a good idea to murder Charlie Kirk. History repeats itself ad nauseum with stories of lost souls looking for a way to prove that they matter in this world. They don’t know their Father, their Creator and as such direct their flailing, unsubstantiated anger at people they have never met nor would ever have a chance to meet which then gives way to planning and a chance at meaning through violence.
God gives us that meaning we so want to have and without Him we have a giant hole in our soul. We are simply bags of grotesque flesh going through the motions of life until we return to the dust.
In the end, I’m still sad because of what I see as waste. And while I am not in any way comparing Charlie Kirk to Jesus the Christ I have to believe that God is good and only wants the best for us. He sent His only Son to die so we could once again be in relationship with Him. Charlie was born of the flesh, then born of the Spirit when he accepted Jesus as his Savior and now he has been called to his eternal home.
Somehow I must find a way to shut up and accept what God has done.
Fall sports have officially arrived in Lincoln City!
From coach Boone Marker- “The Taft High School volleyball program is off to a dominant start to the 2025 season, with both the junior varsity and varsity squads earning convincing 3-0 sweeps over Toledo and Nestucca on Aug. 28.
The varsity Tigers showcased their depth and experience with two straight-set victories, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season. With a strong returning core of seasoned players, the team looks poised to be a top contender in the tough 3A PacWest Conference. Their chemistry on the court, combined with solid defensive play and aggressive attacking, overwhelmed their opponents in both matches.
JV also impressed with back-to-back 3-0 wins, demonstrating the strength and depth of the program from top to bottom. Their early-season performance bodes well for the future of Taft volleyball.
With momentum already building, the Tigers are focused on maintaining their intensity as they prepare for a competitive league schedule. If these opening matches are any indication, Taft volleyball is a team to watch this season.”
The Tigers first home game is on Sept. 9 against Dayton. For more information on upcoming games, visit OSAA.org.
A difference of opinion
On a fog shrouded Sunday afternoon near the D River Wayside in Lincoln City, Oregon two groups stood, not just on opposite sides of a bridge but, on opposite sides of a movement.
The matter at hand is an effort to refer to voters a petition to recall Lincoln County Commissioner Claire Hall. Hall has come under scrutiny for several matters that have upset many locals. Chiefly, the complaint that Hall is running the Board of Commissioners (BOC) like a bully with no accountability to anyone, violating Oregon’s Open Meeting laws, and has resisted establishing rules of conduct for the BOC to abide by. The pro-recall group also cites ongoing conflict between Hall and Commissioner Casey Miller as well as District Attorney Jenna Wallace.
The pro-Hall side countered with their version of events that, obviously, contradict those on the west side of the bridge. Citing Hall’s lengthy stay of office and a willingness to listen, they don’t seem to put much stock in the anti-Hall crowd’s claims. They proffered the notion that the anti-Hall crowd is anti-transexuals (Claire Hall proclaimed being transgender in 2018),and anti-homosexuals because the recall group is also seeking signatures to recall Oregon Governor Tina Kotek (whom NBC news referred to as “Oregon’s first lesbian governor.”).
While the recall group (who never mentioned anything personal about either elected individual), waved American flags and displayed “Recall Hall” signs, fellow members manned a folding table to gather signatures not just for the two recall efforts but also a petition to renew in person voting in Oregon and a petition to limit toll roads in Oregon.
Passing cars gave respectful honks to both sides and each group, so to speak, managed to stay in their own lanes.
ODFW posts warning about clam harvesting
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has issued a bay clam harvest advisory for Alsea Bay estuary
“ODFW recommends people avoid harvesting and consuming softshell and bay clams from Alsea Bay estuary after the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a recreational use advisory for Eckman Lake in Lincoln County.” said Matthew Hunter, spokesperson for ODFW
The OHA issued a July 31 advisory due to the presence of cyanobacteria and now an Aug. 15 update due to very high saxitoxin (paralytic shellfish toxin) levels.
With Eckman Lake draining directly into the Alsea Bay estuary and that saxitoxins can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning, ODFW recommends that people avoid harvesting and eating softshell and bay clams harvested from the estuary.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) will test clams from Alsea Bay with results expected next week.
Coast Guard rescue off Newport
According to a United States Coast Guard representative, “Crews from across two districts worked together to assist three mariners aboard a disabled fishing vessel about 95 miles west of Newport, Oregon, this week.”
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Alder, an Air Station Sacramento C-27 Spartan aircrew, an Air Station North Bend MH-65 Dolphin aircrew, and a Station Yaquina Bay 47-foot Motor Lifeboat (MLB) crew responded to the Defiant, a 97-foot fishing vessel, after it reported at 6:42 a.m. Sunday that it was disabled, adrift and in need of assistance.
Observers at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River and Coast Guard Northwest District coordinated with Coast Guard Pacific Area to launch the two aircrews. The air crews delivered much needed fresh drinking water, a radio, and a dewatering pump to the vessel at 6:40 p.m. Sunday.
Because of the distance offshore, Coast Guard Southwest District observers directed the Alder to tow the Defiant toward shore. The cutter arrived at 11:07 a.m. Tuesday, established a tow, and brought the vessel roughly 80 miles closer to land. At 10:56 a.m. Wednesday, about 15 miles from Newport, the tow was transferred to the Station Yaquina Bay MLB crew, which brought the Defiant safely into port.
“This mission showcased the Coast Guard’s ability to bring together crews, cutters, and aircraft from multiple commands to help mariners in need,” said Lt. Cmdr. Tahnee Zaccano, a search and rescue mission coordinator at the Northwest District command center. “It’s a testament to the teamwork, skill, and dedication of our Coast Guardsmen.”
No immediate service cuts for Lincoln County Transit
July 14, 2025 – Although several transit agencies in rural Oregon have announced
cutbacks in service due to federal funding uncertainty, for now it’s business as usual for
Lincoln County Transit.
The situation for rural transit programs was complicated by the failure of the
transportation bill in the Oregon Legislature.
The Oregon Department of Transportation is cutting staff as a result, including those who process funding to rural transit.
Although several agencies in the state are making immediate, significant cuts, Lincoln
County Transit Director Cynda Bruce says she’s taking a “wait-and-see” approach for
the time being. She said Lincoln County Transit has a healthy enough reserve to deal
with short-term revenue interruptions, although it’s unclear if service reductions will be
necessary in the long term if federal funds are ultimately withheld.
Most Lincoln County Transit riders rely on public transportation as their only means of
getting to work, school, medical appointments, and other destinations of necessity.
“We know how dependent on our services most of our riders are,” Bruce said. “We don’t
want to make cuts unless it’s absolutely certain they’re necessary.”
For questions, please contact Public Information Officer Kenneth Lipp at
[email protected] or 541-265-4100.
Historic Cemeteries Commission to meet in Grand Ronde
The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries (OCHC) will meet in Grand Ronde at the Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center, and via online meeting on July 24 at 9:00 a.m. The agenda includes discussion of the National Register of Historic Places and a presentation on the 2024 historic cemeteries grant projects. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. Meeting information is on the agenda or you can follow this link to register for online access information.
State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0609 or [email protected] at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For call-in details and the agenda or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.
